My Willys 3A and 3B Community
TECH FAQ SECTIONS => Gearboxes and axles => Topic started by: Vincent on July 05, 2019, 06:19:23 PM
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If I am correct in understanding how the interlocking pin works, its only purpose is to prevent you from shifting into Low while in two wheel drive, and people have left the interlocking pin out and are able to shift into low while in two wheel drive. Is this all correct, and are there any pitfalls to leaving the pin out?
Thanks in advance for your comments.
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You are correct in your understanding of what the pin is designed to do.
With no pin and driving in 2-Wheel Low, all the extra torque is now focused solely on the rear axle, instead of being spread across both the front and rear axles. It would increase the chance of breaking a rear axle while driving in 2-Wheel Low.
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But it's great for parades on pavement.
My '46 2A has the front drive shaft removed (well, just not yet replaced) so parades are easy.
My '54 3B has locking hubs on the front so I can do 4-wheel Lo on pavement.
The only danger of 2-wheel Lo is IF you're pushing the envelope in some way - towing very heavy loads, pulling stumps, doing nasty off-road trails - you get the idea.
If you are gentle, you should have no problem with 2-wheel Lo.
If I ever tear down a transfer case, I'll for sure be removing the pin.
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I removed the interlock pill in my '2A over 25 years ago, ran oversize tires with V6 on some very tough trails without any issues with real axle. (it might make a difference however, that my driving style is not to "hit it harder" and start bouncing etc.). ;D
My '2A runs in 2 wheel - low range probably 50% of the time. I find it very handy to have.